Braver, Stronger, Smarter

You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.

Christopher Robin to Winnie the Pooh

As Thanksgiving approaches, I want to share some of the things for which I am thankful when I think about public education employees.

I am thankful for all the public school employees who voluntarily risk their own safety to protect children. Each of you may not have been in the position where you had to be a human shield for your students, but each of you would do whatever it takes to protect and nurture them. It’s because you care. You are much, much braver than you think.

I am thankful that you are willing to work to improve the lives of Oklahoma’s children. No one said it would be easy, but I genuinely don’t believe you went into public education expecting to have the blame for all the ails of society placed squarely on your shoulders; yet you continue because it is where your passion lies, and where you know you are making a difference one student at a time. You are so much stronger than you seem.

I am thankful that you teach all those things that are on the test, but, more importantly, you teach all those things that aren’t tested. You teach responsibility, character, morals, the arts, a love of learning and considerably more. It can be intellectually challenging to balance all that has been placed on your plate. You are definitely smarter than you think.

Ours hats here at OEA are off to you, not only at Thanksgiving, but all year. Thanks for all you do every day.